New funds to strengthen social work management

In a move to strengthen social work management, the Children’s Workforce Development Council is part funding a national pilot Graduate Recruitment Scheme to help attract high calibre graduates into a career in social work with children and families.

The scheme will result in the creation of 200 places for graduates on a social work Masters course.

The pilot will target high achieving graduates who are not currently employed in a social work or social care environment, but who may be interested in a career in social work with children and families. To be eligible for the pilot, graduates must either hold a 2:1 degree or higher and not be currently employed in a social work environment. They will also have to demonstrate their intention to work in children’s social work.

The Graduate Recruitment Scheme is part of a wider three-year workforce reform programme to attract, retain and support high quality social workers, including the recently-launched Newly Qualified Social Worker programme designed to ensure social workers are given all the support and guidance they need once qualified. The scheme complements established locally-based Local Authority ‘grow your own’ programmes and offers an additional opportunity for graduates to access funding for training and development.

Expressions of interest from local authorities and individuals are currently being accepted.